There was some good news on Colorado's initial availability report for BYU released on Wednesday. Star LT Jordan Seaton, who left Colorado's win over Wyoming last week with an injury, was not listed despite being considered questionable entering the week. That means the sophomore is good to go for Saturday night.
There were some concerns, however, with a lengthy list of banged-up Buffaloes. One of the biggest - offensively at least - is at RB. Two of Colorado's top three running backs are listed as "Out" against BYU. The Buffs will be without versatile weapon Dekalon Taylor and the steady Simeon Price:
First availability report of the week for Colorado vs. BYU. Several #cubuffs are out, but no surprises. But RJ Johnson being out and Makari Vickers being doubtful seems to be a problem. pic.twitter.com/Y8RBxO169C
— Brian Howell (@BrianHowell33) September 25, 2025
Taylor's loss will be felt more than just in the backfield. He's made even more of an impact as a receiver, tying Omarion Miller for the team lead with 10 receptions. He's turned those into 106 yards and two touchdowns. Taylor is also impactful on special teams as a kick/punt returner. His explosive play ability will be sorely missed.
Price is Colorado's leader in yards per carry so far this season. The senior has racked up 143 yards on just 21 carries (6.8 ypc) with two touchdowns.
Micah Welch will have to shoulder a significant workload for Colorado
Without Taylor and Price, more will be on the shoulders of sophomore Micah Welch. Welch is Colorado's second-leading rusher behind only Kaidon Salter, who will probably see an increase in carries, too.
Welch has run for 143 yards on a 4.9 yards per carry average, but has struggled to find consistency, much like the Buffs' offense as a whole. Welch turned just six carries into 67 yards a week ago against Wyoming, but finished with -2 rushing yards against Houston and just 14 against Delaware.
Coach Prime hoped Colorado would be able to run the football effectively this season, but through four games, it has been more of the same we've seen the last two seasons. They got things rolling on the ground vs. Wyoming, but against BYU's loaded front, the sledding is going to be much more difficult.
Redshirt junior Dallan Hayden will spell Welch. Hayden missed the first three games of the season with a hand injury, but made his 2025 debut last week against Wyoming, turning two rushing attempts into 10 yards. The former Ohio State RB will have a big opportunity this weekend to earn some meaningful work and carry over that momentum for the rest of the season.